Jim Skree Gives "Red River Girl" Presentation at Vesterheim Museum

Your contribution today guarantees Decorah News is asking the questions tomorrow. Act now. DECORAH — Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, together with Sons of Norway Valdres Lodge 1-503, will host a presentation by Jim Skree, curator of the Houston Area Museum, about Orabel Thortvedt. The event, connected to the exhibit Red River Girl: From Telemark to the Buffalo, will be at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 17, in Hanson Vesterheim Commons. It will be preceded by a lodge meeting at 7 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend the meeting, the presentation, or both. Refreshments will follow the presentation. Red River Girl: From Telemark to the Buffalo tells the story of Orabel Thortvedt (1896–1983), one of the first historians in Clay County, Minnesota, along with her father, Levi Thortvedt (1860–1936). The exhibit, featuring Thortvedt's historical artwork, is open at Vesterheim from Jan. 31 to May 25, 2026. It is a collaboration between the Historical and Cultural Society of Clay County and the Vest-Telemark Museum. Skree will provide a visual introduction to Thortvedt's work, which recorded her community's history through drawings, paintings and journals. A dedicated researcher and artist, she preserved the stories passed down by her grandfather, Ole Thortvedt, as well as other relatives and friends. Skree, of Houston, Minnesota, grew up immersed in his Norwegian-American heritage. Born during the 100th anniversary of his family farm in Badger Valley near Houston, he has long been interested in farm and family history. Skree helped found the Houston Area Museum, where he serves as curator. Be the first to know! Sign up for the free newsletter and unlock exclusive updates, breaking news, and tips from around the community.